BPD charges man with second-degree murder following death of Bunnell resident

Robert Lee Emanuel Sr. died on Nov. 14 as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.

Over two months after the Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the death of Bunnell resident Robert Lee Emanuel Sr. was a homicide, a suspect has finally been charged, according to a news release by the Bunnell Police Department.

Police arrived at 2250 Old Moody Blvd. on Sept. 15 to find Emanuel Sr. sitting in his living room with a large bump and cut on the right side of his forehead. Emanuel Sr. was incoherent and had difficulty speaking and answering questions, according to the release. He was later taken to Florida Hospital Flagler.

On Nov. 14, Emanuel Sr. died as a result of his injuries, which were the result of blunt force trauma to the head.

On Monday, Jan. 29, BPD completed and submitted charges of second-degree murder on 24-year-old Johnnie Thomas pertaining to the death of Emanuel Sr. with the state attorney for their review.

“I am very proud of our community for their cooperation,” Chief Tom Foster said in a release. With the efforts of Corp. Shane Tully, members of the Bunnell Police Department, the State Attorney's Office and the Homicide Investigative Unit, with assistance from the Flagler County Sheriff s Office, a violent murderer is off the streets of Flagler County.”